At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in food preparation and maintain a clean, organised kitchen.
- Company: Join the Honesty Family, a community-focused hospitality business.
- Benefits: Free meals, discounts, full training, and genuine progression opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with potential for overtime and career growth.
- Why this job: Develop your cooking skills while being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to learn; kitchen experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25380 - 31020 £ per year.
Join the Honesty Family as a Commis Chef / Kitchen Support.
At Honesty Group, we’re not just another hospitality business. We’re a home away from home — built on great food, great coffee and great people. Everything we serve is rooted in quality and care, from our handmade bakery products to our seasonal menus and fresh ingredients. We believe hospitality should feel honest, welcoming and community-focused, and we’re looking for people who want to be part of that.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
We put people first, and that includes our kitchen teams. This role is perfect for someone who wants to develop their cooking skills while becoming an important part of a supportive and hardworking kitchen. You’ll work alongside experienced chefs, learn fresh food preparation and gain valuable kitchen experience, while also helping keep the kitchen organised, clean and running smoothly. Many of our chefs and supervisors started in junior kitchen roles and progressed through the business.
Working Hours:
This is approximately a 20 HR contract with potential overtime:
- Friday - Evening Shift (17:00 - 21:00)
- Saturday (Daytime and Evening Cover)
- Sunday - (Daytime - 09:00 - 17:00)
What You’ll Do
As a Commis Chef / Kitchen Support team member, you’ll be involved in all aspects of kitchen life.
Kitchen & Food Preparation
- Assist with the preparation of fresh food and daily mise en place
- Support chefs during service
- Prepare ingredients and simple dishes
- Help with deliveries, stock rotation and storage
- Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation
Kitchen Support & KP Duties
- Wash dishes, utensils, cookware and kitchen equipment
- Keep the kitchen clean, organised and safe
- Support cleaning schedules and daily kitchen maintenance
- Dispose of waste correctly and maintain recycling systems
- Assist with end-of-day cleaning and closing procedures
This role includes a significant amount of kitchen porter responsibility, particularly during busy periods, so we’re looking for someone who takes pride in keeping a kitchen running efficiently and enjoys being part of a team.
Who You Are
- Enthusiastic and hardworking
- Happy to roll your sleeves up and get stuck in
- Reliable and organised
- Calm under pressure
- A team player who supports others
- Interested in food and developing kitchen skills
- Willing to learn and take ownership
- Kitchen experience is helpful, but attitude is just as important to us.
What You’ll Get From Us
- Full training and ongoing support
- The opportunity to develop your cooking skills
- Free meal on duty
- 20% discount across Honesty Group
- Discounted Cookery School courses
- Genuine opportunities for progression
Your Future Here
This role can lead to opportunities such as:
- Commis Chef
- Chef de Partie
- Kitchen Supervisor
- Production Kitchen roles
- Wider opportunities across Honesty Group
We love promoting from within and investing in people who want to grow.
Safety & Inclusivity
We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, supported and respected.
Chef in Newbury employer: The Hartley Arms
At Honesty Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values teamwork and exceptional service. As a Coffee Shop Shift Lead in our Fulham Road location, you'll enjoy benefits such as a free meal during shifts and a generous 20% discount, alongside ample opportunities for personal and professional growth within the hospitality sector. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your leadership skills will shine and contribute to creating memorable experiences for our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chef in Newbury
✨Get Involved in Local Events
Check out foodie festivals, farmers' markets, and local fairs in your area. These are perfect opportunities to meet restaurant owners and managers face-to-face, and they often look for part-time help during busy seasons.
✨Join Hospitality Groups
Connect with local hospitality groups on social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram. These communities frequently post about part-time job openings that aren’t advertised elsewhere, plus it’s a great way to engage with the food scene in your area!
✨Show Up in Person
For part-time roles in the hospitality sector, don't underestimate the power of a walk-in. Grab your best smile and pop into local cafés or restaurants with your CV in hand. It shows initiative and can really make you stand out!
✨Apply Through Our Website!
Don’t forget to check out the openings at The Hartley Arms and apply directly through our website! We love seeing friendly faces and you’ll be surprised how many part-time roles pop up that may not be listed on job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef in Newbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Skills:In the hospitality and food service industry, showcasing your customer service experience is key. Be sure to highlight relevant roles in your CV or cover letter where you’ve directly engaged with customers—this could be from previous waitressing, barista jobs, or any roles that involved teamwork and communication. You want to convince us at The Hartley Arms that you can keep it cool under pressure!
Certifications Matter:If you’ve got any hospitality-related certifications—like food safety or first aid—definitely mention those! Including these credentials can set you apart from other applicants. It shows us that you're serious about the health and safety standards we maintain here at The Hartley Arms.
Flexibility is Your Friend:Since this is a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who can work various shifts. In your application, it’s useful to outline your availability clearly. Make it easy for us to see when you can jump in and help out—this shows that you’re committed and ready to adapt!
Let Your Personality Shine:In hospitality, personality plays a vital role. Use your cover letter to share why you’re passionate about food service and what brings you joy in helping customers. A personal touch can make your application memorable and help us at The Hartley Arms get a sense of who you are beyond your experience!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Hartley Arms
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In hospitality, your ability to work with customers and team members is crucial. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your experience in handling customer service situations, especially any tricky ones. We want to hear how you turned a potentially negative experience into a positive one!
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
You might get quizzed on the menu items or asked about your favourite dishes. Brush up on any special offerings at The Hartley Arms and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for their food. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re genuinely excited about working with their team.
✨Flexibility is Key
As you're going for a part-time role, emphasise your availability and willingness to work various shifts. Mention any instances where you've gone above and beyond for scheduling or helped out during busy times. This flexibility can make you stand out from the crowd!
✨Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for role-play scenarios during your interview! Employers love to see how you handle on-the-spot situations, like dealing with a dissatisfied customer or managing a specific request from a patron. Practising these scenarios with friends can help boost your confidence.
